Page 55 of The Lion

“I know this is a hard day for ye.” He didn’t say anything else as a group of guardsmen rode toward them from the east.

The men remained silent at him sliding a look to Isobel. If the guards had any information, it would wait the hour until they arrived back at the keep.

Soon the keep gates came into view. In a way Darach was glad, for he needed time alone to think. First, he would see to Isobel, she looked about to drop, and he didn’t want her to get ill.

They made it through the gates and before she could dismount, he pulled her from the saddle and carried her to the house.

“I can walk,” she protested weakly. “Ye do not have to carry me. I am sure ye are tired as well.”

“I am used to long rides, ye are not. I should have brought a carriage.”

Upon entering they were greeted by his mother. “Goodness, is something wrong?” Her gaze moved from his face to Isobel’s.

Darach shook his head. “Nay, the day was too long for her. My wife requires a hot bath and a meal, and then she must go to bed.”

Annis, the woman who came as a companion to Isobel, came close and upon hearing him, rushed away to do as he instructed.

“Honestly, Darach, I am fine,” Isobel said, her cheeks pinkening when Ella and Beatrice appeared in the corridor outside their bedchamber. “Ye can put me down.”

“Allow yer husband to do it,” Beatrice called out. “I find it romantic.”

Darach could not help but feel chivalrous at the words.

Once inside their bedchamber, he helped her undress and wrapped her in her robe as maids came in with a wooden tub and pails of water. Soon she sunk into the tub and let out a sigh.

Not wishing to be away from her, but with much to do, he left her to Annis.

“What happened?” his mother said when he reached the bottom of the stairs. “Isobel looks not only exhausted but also upset.”

“She is.” He took her elbow and ushered her to his study. “Await me here, I must speak to guardsmen. I will not be long.”

In the courtyard, another set of patrols that included his brothers had arrived. When a guard approached, Darach instructed the man to wait for his brothers and then wait for him in the great hall, before discussing any findings.

Once in his study, he went directly to the sideboard and poured a glass of whiskey. “I must say, this was an exhausting day. If it were not for that damn fortnight rule, I would have insisted Isobel remain here.”

“It is a good rule and ye should have sent someone in yer stead,” his mother replied. “What happened?”

He considered which subject to broach first. Finally, he met his mother’s eyes thankful, for how she’d never wavered in her love and devotion to him. “Lilia informed me, in front of Isobel, that she is expecting a bairn. Claims it to be mine.”

“Poor Isobel. I cannot imagine hearing such a thing so soon after marrying,” his mother replied, not seeming shocked.

She let out a breath and pinned him with a stern look. Do ye think it is yers? We all know she warmed more than just yer bed.”

“I cannot be convinced it is. I think she said it to shock Isobel.”

“I am sure it worked. She looked to be in shock.”

Darach clenched his jaw. “No sooner had we walk outside, did she become sick.”

“I will speak to a midwife and have her call upon Lilia. This has to be dealt with swiftly. Yer first bairn will not be a bastard.”

When she stood, Darach spoke, “She said Cairn was present when my birth mother died. Said something about the rumors surrounding her death and said to ask ye about it.”

“That venomous snake. I should have insisted she be tossed out long ago. Ye and the others were blinded by what she gave and did not pay attention to her horrible manner.”

“I must ask Mother…”

His mother shook her head. “I heard the same things. That yer father killed yer mother. Smothered her to death while she recovered from yer birth. I tried to ask the servants, but none would talk. They were terrified of yer father. I will find the midwife, I believe she still lives in the village near Duncan and Caelan. Back then, she assured me yer mother died from losing too much blood, but I will question her again. And I will get the truth from her. For now, ye care for current matters. I will find out what I can about yer mother.”